Sudhir Mandarapu
6/5/09
B Block

Climbing Stairs
Problem 5.1

BIG Idea: You can determine the SLOPE of a line using the Table or Graph.
Essential Question: How steep is that line?


Determine the steepness of a set of stairs.

To calculate the steepness you will need to measure the rise and run of a step. Measure at least two steps in the set of stairs you choose. Make a sketch of the stairs, and label it with the measurements you found

How do the stairs you measured compare with the guidelines above?
Guidelines:
  • The ratio of rise to run for each step should be between 0.45 and 0.60.
  • The rise plus the run for each step should be between 17 and 17.5 inches.
Slope= rise/run
Rise=7; Run=12
Stairs.jpg

7÷12= 0.58333333

The ratio of rise to run is between 0.45 and 0.60, but the rise plus run is not between 17 and 17.5 inches; 0.45+0.60= 1.50.


Problem 5.1 Follow Up

1.) Make and label a scale drawing of stairs that don’t meet the carpenters’ guidelines. Explain why the stairs you drew are steeper (or less steep) than the stairs described in the guidelines.
Stairs2.jpg
5÷13=0.384615385; 5+13=18


2.) You can use the ideas about the steepness
Stairs3.jpg